Policy on Satisfactory Academic Progress
In order to achieve Satisfactory Academic Progress, a student must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average and complete the program within a specified maximum time based on quarter credit hours. 

Maximum Time Frame - Students must progress through the program at a pace that will ensure successful completion within 1.5 times the program length as measured in quarter credit hours attempted. If a student cannot complete the program within the Maximum Time Frame (MTF), the student will be dismissed. The maximum time frame for Diploma and Degree programs is shown below: 

Minimum Completion Percentage - In order to ensure that the MTF condition will be met, the completion percentage will be tracked throughout the program. Completion percentage is the percentage of attempted courses that are completed with a D or above. All courses, including withdrawal and retakes, will be included in credit hours attempted and hence will impact the completion percentage. 

When the attempted credits are 25% of the MTF a completion percentage of less than 55% will result in probation. When the attempted credits are 50% of the MTF, a completion percentage of less than 60% will result in dismissal. When the attempted are 75% or the MTF, a completed percentage of less than 60% will result in dismissal. The completion percentage must be 67% or greater to graduate. Completion percentage is computed at the end of each quarter. 

Undergraduate Minimum Cumulative Grade Average - The student must complete the program with a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 2.0 to graduate. Grades will be measured at the end of each quarter. Stratford University uses a 4.0 scale. Withdrawals are not included in the GPA. In the case of retakes, only the highest grade is included in the GPA. 

When the attempted credits are 25% of the MTF, a CGPA below 1.35 will result in probation and below 1.0 in dismissal. When the attempted credits are 50% of the MTF, a CGPA below 1.70 will result in probation and below 1.5 in dismissal. When the attempted credits are 75% of the MTF, a CGPA below 1.85 will result in probation and below 1.5 in dismissal. The student must achieve a CGPA of 2.0 to graduate. 

Graduate Minimum Cumulative Grade Average - The student must complete the program with a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.0 to graduate. Grades will be measured at the end of each quarter. Stratford University uses a 4.0 scale. Withdrawals are not included in the GPA. In the case of retakes, only the highest grade is included in the GPA. 

When the attempted credits are 25% of the MTF, a CGPA below 2.0 will result in probation and below 1.5 in dismissal. When the attempted credits are 50% of the MTF, a CGPA below 2.5 will result in probation and below 2.0 in dismissal. When the attempted credits are 75% of the MTF, a CGPA below 2.75 will result in probation and below 2.50 in dismissal. The student must achieve a CGPA of 3.0 to graduate. 

Summary of Academic Progress Policy - The Satisfactory Academic Progress Conditions are summarized in the tables below. Satisfactory Academic Progress is computed at the end of each quarter. If you are close to any critical cutoff, make an appointment with your academic advisor to schedule appropriate assistance. 

In addition to the previously referenced evaluation points (25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% of MTF), students are evaluated at the completion of each academic year to determine eligibility for continued Federal Financial Assistance. An academic year must include at least 30 weeks of instruction (3 Quarters) and 36 hours of undergraduate earned credits or 27 hours of graduate earned credits. The SAP requirements for that evaluation are based on the following tables. 

Appeal of Dismissal Due to Satisfactory Academic Progress
A student who wishes to appeal the determination that satisfactory progress has not been maintained must adhere to the following appeals sequence. Appeals must be submitted in writing and describe any mitigating circumstances the student feels deserve further consideration. The appeal is forwarded to the Campus Director and the appropriate dean who will review the written records, collect other information as necessary, and issue the final determination within ten (10) days from the date of the original written request. 

Readmission to the University after Dismissal for Satisfactory Academic Progress
A student who has been dismissed from the University may petition to be readmitted. In order to be considered the student must submit a written petition which describes the changes in behavior or circumstance that will result in improved academic performance. The readmission petition must be forwarded to the Campus Director and the appropriate dean at least ten days before the beginning of the quarter in which the student requests readmission. The Campus Director, through whatever means, will determine if the student has demonstrated a likelihood of future success in the program of study. 

If the Campus Director determines that there is a likelihood of future success, the student may be permitted to retake previously failed, incomplete, or withdrawn courses in order to improve the student's GPA and course completion percentage. During this period, the student is not matriculating at the University and must pay the full published tuition and fees for the coursework without recourse to Federal Student Financial Assistance funds. During this period, the student may enroll in only one course per five-week term, and may not attempt more than 13.5 credits. If the student's GPA improves to at least 1.5 and the student successfully completes all of the courses attempted during this period, then the student may be formally readmitted to the University. At this time, eligibility for student financial assistance funds may be restored, and the student will be placed on academic probation for at least one additional quarter. 

If the Campus Director determines that there is not a likelihood of future success, the student will not be permitted to re-enter the institution. 


Approved Leave of Absence
 A leave of absence may be granted for personal emergencies and other circumstances that require a temporary interruption in attendance. If a leave of absence is unavoidable, it is best to finish the current quarter before starting a leave. Students that begin a leave of absence during a quarter will be assigned a grade of W for any coursework that can not be assigned a final grade. Leave of absences may not be granted during a student's first quarter. Students taking a leave of absence must submit a signed leave of absence form to the Registrar's office prior to taking the leave. Normally, only one Leave of Absence may be granted in any twelve month period. A leave of absence has no effect on satisfactory academic progress if during the leave period, no credits are attempted. 

Maintaining Full-Time Status
 In order to maintain full-time status, an undergraduate student must attempt for academic credit at least twelve quarter credits each quarter. A graduate student must attempt for academic credit at least 9 quarter-credits each quarter. 


Undergraduate Student Requirements for Graduation
Students must achieve a minimum GPA of 2.0 and accumulate the minimum required credits, and meet all of the core, elective, and general education requirements of the program in order to to receive a degree or diploma. Students must complete at least 50% of the program credits in residence at the University. Students must clear all financial obligations with the University in order to be considered a graduate. 

Graduate Student Requirements for Graduation
 Students must satisfy the following requirements to fulfill graduation requirements. Students must complete 54-quarter credit hours with a 3.0 GPA. Students must complete core required courses in the program of study. Students must complete at least 50% of the program credits in residence at the University. Students must fulfill all degree requirements within 5 years from beginning the first course. 

Students who do not meet this requirement may petition for readmission and must develop a degree plan that provides for completion within a 2-year period. The Graduate School of Stratford University reserves the right to update/change the graduate curricula at any time. Any candidate for a degree shall be held to compliance with changes for the uncompleted portion of the program of study. 

Changing Academic Programs
Students changing programs or credentials must complete the following steps:

1. Submit written request to change programs to the Registrar.
2. Meet with the Business Office.
3. Meet with Financial Aid officer if necessary.
4. Request a review of transfer credits if needed.

Transfer of Credit Policy
Students may transfer credits earned from another program within Stratford University after approval of the appropriate Dean. 
Credits may be transferred from other accredited institutions, provided courses are for three or more semester hours of credit, are directly related to the intended program of study with at least a grade of C or its equivalent. Credits must be earned before enrollment into Stratford University. 

Certain training received from prior military schools, military service, or prior work experiences may be awarded as transfer credit. The military service records, job descriptions, DD214, and/or passing an examination may be required to receive this credit. 

Transfer of credit is initiated by the receipt of an official copy of all transcripts from higher education institutions attended prior to acceptance by Stratford University. The official copy of the transcript is submitted to the Registrar's Office and forwarded to the transcript evaluator. Additional documentation in the form of course descriptions, syllabi, or a competency test may be necessary to assure that the transferred course is equivalent to one of the courses required for completion of a degree or diploma at Stratford University. 

The Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) Degree is mainly considered to be a terminal degree. The degree is not usually transferable to baccalaureate degree programs. Transfer of credits received from Stratford University to another institution is solely at the discretion of the granting institution. No guarantee of transfer is made or implied by Stratford University.